“Find out what individual charities are doing and the time frame of their work,” H. Art Taylor, president and CEO of the alliance said in a news release. “Donors who know what to expect from the charities they support are less likely to question the benefit of their gifts.”

The BBB has offered these tips:

■ Don’t give based solely on a charity’s name. Ask the charity how it will help and visit the organization’s website.

■ Don’t collect clothing or other goods without first verifying the items can reach the victims and can be used.

■ Don’t send to inexperienced relief efforts. If the charity has not previously been involved in disaster, its efforts could hamper assistance and divert funds.

■ Don’t respond to online and social media appeals without checking them.

■ Find out if a charity meets recognized accountability standards. The alliance has 20 standards posted at www.give.org.

The release listed the following organizations as BBB-accredited charities that have announced on their websites they are accepting donations for typhoon relief activities: